Friday, February 20, 2026

Into the Fire

In terms of the weather, March notoriously begins like a lion and exits like a lamb. Cosmically speaking, this tenet proves the opposite is true during March 2026.  March begins like a slow, soft drum beat that increases in volume and pace as we move toward April.  In the wake of February’s planetary whiplash, a quiet hangover lingers as we try to get our bearings.  We are recuperating from February’s tumult and turbulence.

I’m not one to exalt the glories of Mercury retrograde; but it does have its purpose, time and place.  And as we enter March, the messenger planet’s reverse motion feels like a reprieve to sort ourselves out.  Mercury continues its retrograde cycle for the first 3 weeks of March, the tide pulling us into retreat and reflection mode. 

Mercury turned retrograde on February 25th, cycling in reverse gear through the March 20th spring equinox.  Dive into the RE words for the first three weeks of March:  research, restore, renew, refresh, renovate, relax and more.  Many school spring vacations occur during this window; so use this time for a break or escape from the daily routine.

Certainly the first week of March we want to drop everything and run away. With four interior planets (Sun, Mercury, Mars and Venus) plus the lunar north node in Pisces, dreaming dominates.  Music, water, imagination and inspiration surround and envelope us.  Watch for divine downloads, pristine clarity and insight. 

Artists of all variety benefit from this energy, especially musicians or those using fluid mediums in their work or the maritime trades.  Equally, athletes who ski, skate, swim or boat shine now. It is also a deeply spiritual time.  Retreats for yoga, meditation and contemplation are highly restorative.

The volume of water signs at the beginning of March may feel emotionally overwhelming to some, as though they are drowning, hence driving a big urge to escape.  Pisces rules both fear and faith.  Should fear spike its gnarly fangs, hit the pause button.  Avoid heavy drug and alcohol use now.  Ground yourself:  Turn music on, take a hot bath, shower with essential oils or walk in fresh air near a body of water.

Ask yourself:  what is real and what is not. 

Helping to keep things real is the Lunar eclipse in practical Virgo during the wee small hours of Tuesday, March 3rd.   The moon in earthy Virgo seeks healthy practices, adores animals and asks how to be of service.  With Sun and Moon opposite in Pisces and Virgo, this eclipse emphasizes health, wellness and work.  On one end of the equation, the Virgo Moon streamlines information while the Pisces sun invites surrender.  If someone or something is not feeding your soul, they do not deserve a seat at your table nor receive your service.

Lunar eclipses focus on endings.  Situations and relationships must be healthy for you.  If not, then the time has come to surrender it.  What is your soul asking you to give up for the sake of your future self?  Your highest potential, well-being and benefit?  A lifestyle, a belief system, a toxic relationship, a soul-crushing job?  Pay particular attention to those in power, influencers wielding power, including spiritual influencers or gurus.  Smoke and mirrors of yesteryear dissipate now and all are seen clearly.  See those whom you look toward for guidance, direction, answers, for who they actually are now.  Instead of relying on others for answers, derive your own guidance by asking what feels right for YOU?

This is the primary lesson of 2026:  to become our own guru, mentor, and guide.  The Universe is pushing us out of the proverbial nest.

Increasingly, we are invited to step into our strengths, to be fully empowered and less reliant on external validation. This may certainly bring an end to a variety of imbalanced relationships.  Do not expect to be liked should you walk away from anyone using you as their battery, energy or power source. The price tag is your freedom.  Yet the cost is worth every cent, no?

Stirring life up and adding some spice, Valuable Venus joins the Saturn-Neptune duo in Aries on March 6th.  We feel an urgency to get going; however it feels like we’re swimming against the current or pushing against invisible forces.  With an equal number of planets (Sun, Mercury and Motivating Mars) still cycling through Pisces, the tide of life is decidedly out right now.  While Messenger Mercury continues its retrograde for the next two weeks, March 7-20th, we feel at loose ends.

Best to use this time for preparation, as a dress rehearsal if you will.  The weeks from February 25th to March 20th offer a steep stillness and profound quiet when we allow for it. This is the Great Pause before a leap into action.   Reflect, reset and recalibrate; take inventory and consider your plans.  You will be glad you did. Because just after mid-month, we may feel like we were shot out of a cannon.

Three back-to-back events occur beginning on Wednesday, March 18th.  Late in the day, the New Moon in Pisces arrives, helpfully aligning to Radical Uranus in Taurus.  Talk about make a wish! With both Sun and Moon in dreamy Pisces our intentions and goals are realistically grounded into reality by change agent Uranus.  Take time on March 19th or the spring equinox March 20th to carefully hand write 3-5 goals you seek to manifest over the coming months and season.

The Sun enters fiery Aries on Friday, March 20th, marking the beginning of Spring. After a particularly long, cold winter in the Northern Hemisphere, we move increasingly toward light and new growth.  Fully one-third of the planets, four out of ten are in Aries.  Here they throw down the gauntlet:  what are you doing about all of your dreams and desires?  The Sun, Neptune and Saturn hover at the Creator Degree, the initial impulse and spark igniting our creativity.  Feel the urge to take action.  You are ready to leap at a mere suggestion, to take the risk you’ve been mulling over but never quite pulled the trigger. Now, you do.

This is the energy of the Chinese astrology Fire Horse that you may have heard about.  It is here. The warrior in you has arrived!  Leap and the net will appear.  Creativity, momentum, strength and speed carry us forward into unknown terrain. 

Underscoring this, the very same day on March 20th, Messenger Mercury turns direct motion ushering in a two month phase where every planet is moving forward.  Time to sign the significant documents, book the travel plans and invest in major purchases.

Our thoughts, words and drive continue downloading dreams and clearing out residue from the past.  This is one powerful moment.  Our visions are inspired like never before; our next steps clear and grounded in practical values. We possess fearless courage to create the reality of our dreams. Late March 2026 is one potent time.

April draws near and the promise of longer, warmer days ahead.  As if to seal the promise of what is to come, Valuable Venus turns into its own sign, Taurus on Monday, March 30th.  Earthy yet artistic, sensual yet pragmatic, Venus clashes with Powerful Pluto through early April, asking us to keep our goals realistic.  Exactly how do you plan to finance the house you plan to build, or the invention designed in your head?

Ask whether these are roadblocks or rather tests that, when tackled head-on, will make your dreams that much stronger and built sturdier for the long term?

The Universe has already said YES to you.   The Divine gives us an open-book test.  Now you are tasked with filling in the blanks.

Of Special Note:

Is your intuition calling you?  The 3 Wise Women are three veteran metaphysical practitioners offering community, conversation and connection via zoom every first Tuesday of the month @6 pm eastern.  For just $10/session, feel safe among like-minded seekers to ask your wildest woo questions and learn from each other.  Join us!  To enroll: www.hilaryharley.com

Mystical Messages features my monthly astrology forecasts if you prefer listening via podcast.  Also featured are cutting edge healing arts practitioners.  Tune in and listen through Youtube, Apple or Spotify or hear previous episodes: www.hilaryharley.com